Severe Weather Damaged Your Roof? Here’s What to Do

Your roof is extremely important, especially since it offers the main line of protection for your home against the harsh weather that may roll through your area. Unfortunately, even if you have an excellent roof, the time may come when Mother Nature gets the upper hand and sends weather your way that results in roof damage. Should this happen, it’s crucial that you know the steps that will need to be taken immediately. If severe weather has damaged your roof, here’s what you need to do next.

Assess and Document the Damage

First, once it’s safe for you to do so, always begin by assessing and documenting the damage your roof has suffered. If you can’t climb onto the roof, use binoculars to get a general idea of the damage, such as missing shingles or holes in your roof. While assessing the situation, try taking pictures of the damage, since you will need this documentation when filing your insurance claim.

Make Temporary Repairs

Depending on the type of damage to your roof, you may be able to make some very temporary repairs until you can get experienced roofing contractors on the scene. If you are experiencing leaks inside your home, use buckets or garbage cans to catch the water so that interior damage is minimized. If you have holes in your roof, placing a tarp over the damaged area may be necessary.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If your roof’s damage is substantial enough that you need your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs, contact them as soon as possible so that they can send a company representative to your home for damage assessment. When they arrive, be sure you have any documentation of the damage ready for them, since this can speed up having your claim approved.

Hire a Reputable Contractor

Whenever you need to have your roof repaired following severe weather, always hire a reputable roofing contractor who is well-established in your area. Unfortunately, there are numerous scam artists who prey on unsuspecting storm damage victims each year, especially in areas where hurricanes or other severe weather events have struck. When choosing a contractor, always get estimates from several companies before making your final decision.

Though you never want to see your roof get damaged, getting it fixed and paid for is often easier than you may imagine. By assessing and documenting the damage right away and getting in touch with your insurance company and roofing professionals, your roof will soon look like new.

Author Bio

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.